Trump administration cancels Jefferson Lab operator search

The U.S. Department of Energy has cancelled its search for a new operator and manager of Newport News‘ Jefferson Lab, as the current operator’s contract is set to expire at the end of May — prompting speculation of what the federally funded lab’s future entails.

The DOE said in a statement that it plans to rebid the contract to manage and operate the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility in a way that more closely aligns with President Donald Trump’s priorities, and Gov. Glenn Youngkin tweeted this month that the Trump administration has a vision for the future of Jefferson Lab and its work. However, questions remain about the timeline of a new management contract and how the function of the lab could change under the Trump administration.

In February 2024, under President Joe Biden, the DOE initiated a competition for the selection of a management and operating contractor for the facility, and issued Requests for Proposals in July 2024. According to an informational meeting presentation in March 2024, the DOE had hoped to award the contract earlier this month.

The lab, under the Biden administration, has been awarded several significant projects. In 2023, the DOE announced it would lead a $300 million to $500 million data science computing hub, the High Performance Data Facility hub, that will make scientific data more accessible nationwide. The project was set to include the building of a data center that is expected to be operational by fiscal 2028. Also, researchers at the lab are working on a project to eliminate harmful chemicals — known as “forever chemicals” — in drinking water through 2026.

But on Feb. 28, the DOE issued a special notice saying the solicitation for a new management and operating contractor was cancelled. The lab is currently operated by Jefferson Science Associates, a limited liability company created by the Southeastern Universities Research Association. Its contract is set to expire May 31.

“The cancellation is necessary because key elements of the solicitation’s statement of work and evaluation criteria do not adequately reflect or align with the priorities of the current administration, as outlined in several executive orders issued by President Trump,” the notice said, without elaborating which orders they were. Since taking office Jan. 20, the president has issued hundreds of executive orders, many of which roll back priorities of former President Biden, including DEI and renewable energy initiatives.

The DOE sent Virginia Business a statement indicating it intends to rebid the contract, saying it remains committed to “restoring America’s leadership in technology, energy and innovation,” and that Jefferson Lab is a critical part of the DOE’s National Laboratory complex, which includes 17 labs across the nation conducting multidisciplinary research, some going back as long as 70 years.

“Regarding the solicitation, the source selection authority did not believe that any of the bids would allow for the long-term success of Jefferson Lab,” said a DOE spokesperson in a emailed statement. “The current contract remains in effect. The department will ensure the seamless continuation of operations while evaluating the best path forward, including a new solicitation process to secure strong leadership that aligns with our mission of maintaining America’s technological and scientific edge.”

The spokesperson did not answer whether the current contract with SURA would be extended or for how long. The DOE also did not answer what changes will be made in the new proposal to better align with the Trump administration’s goals.

“While we cannot share the details at this time, our priority is to make decisions that serve the best interests of the United States, ensuring that Jefferson Lab remains a pillar of innovation and economic growth for Newport News and the nation,” the spokesperson said.

Jefferson Lab officials declined to comment, and SURA did not respond to requests for comment.

Like other federal workplaces, the Jefferson Lab is going through a great deal of uncertainty under Trump, who has made moves to slash federal spending and federal jobs, as well as placing most government agencies under a hiring freeze. Some federal departments and agencies have been closed, and according to the new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by billionaire Elon Musk, the federal government plans to sell many of its buildings and end hundreds of its leases nationwide. 

Many of Trump’s layoffs and agency closures are being opposed in court, and some actions have been paused by federal judges, but it’s unclear which jobs, projects and departments will remain after the dust clears.

On March 12, Youngkin posted on social media platform X that he had spoken with Energy Secretary Chris Wright about the future of Jefferson Labs and had “Great News!”

“The management contract will be recompeted with a new, clean RFP that’s in line with the Trump Administration’s vision for the future of this important institution,” Youngkin wrote. “I’ve invited him to join me for a tour of JLAB soon. Thank you, Mr. Secretary!”

Youngkin’s spokesperson Peter Finocchio declined to provide any further information.

The Virginian-Pilot reported though, that Youngkin told reporters on Wednesday that the current management contract is to be extended while the DOE rebids the contract.

“There was some concern that the management contract that had been out for an RFP prior to the transition of the new administration had been completely terminated, and therefore, [would] that mean something bad for Jefferson Lab?” Youngkin said, according to the Pilot’s reporting. “The reality is no. What they have communicated clearly is that some of the priorities in what they would want in a management contract were not in the previous RFP. They’re going to extend the current management contract, rebid it, but are very much supportive of Jefferson Labs.”